On March 11, 1994, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3817W) operated by Thomas A. Boyd was involved in an aviation accident near Beckley, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION, WHILE OPERATING OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, AFTER THE PILOT FAILED TO REMOVE ALL THE WATER FROM THE TANK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO OPERATE THE AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN LEAKING FUEL CAP. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A flight experienced engine cutting in and out approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, leading to a forced landing off airport into rising terrain. Post-accident examination found rust-colored water in the fuel line and carburetor bowl. After cleaning, the engine ran satisfactorily.
Flight Details
A flight departed and climbed to 7,000 feet for cruise. Approximately 15 minutes later, the engine began cutting in and out. The pilot was unable to keep the engine running and made a forced landing off airport into rising terrain.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane found rust on the underside of the right main fuel tank cap. A co-owner acknowledged that the right main fuel tank would sometimes contain water. The fuel tanks had been foamed and emptied by the fire department prior to the arrival of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Post-accident examination of the engine found rust-colored water in the fuel line leading to the carburetor and in the carburetor bowl. The water was cleaned out, and the engine ran satisfactorily.
What happened in the 11 Mar 1994 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Beckley, WV?
A flight experienced engine cutting in and out approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, leading to a forced landing off airport into rising terrain. Post-accident examination found rust-colored water in the fuel line and carburetor bowl. After cleaning, the engine ran satisfactorily.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Mar 1994 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3817W, operated by Thomas A. Boyd, at Beckley, WV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION, WHILE OPERATING OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, AFTER THE PILOT FAILED TO REMOVE ALL THE WATER FROM THE TANK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO OPERATE THE AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN LEAKING FUEL CAP.
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